Champions League: Benfica defeats Bruges

Benfica’s attack is still dangerous, even after Enzo Fernández left for Chelsea.

João Mário converted a penalty, while substitute David Neres scored the second with two minutes remaining as Benfica got a foothold in the Champions League quarterfinals, by win 2-0 over Bruges on Wednesday.

Despite losing the Argentine Fernández, the Portuguese team showed that it retains attacking power and the ability to win.

The technical superiority of the Benfica players was evident in the first leg of the round of 16. The visitors made the most of almost every chance they had the ball to create danger.

They could have left the Flanders region with a much more comfortable advantage, but some mistake in front of the goal prevented it.

The scoring opened after 51 minutes, through João Mario. the brazilian Neres took advantage of a defensive error to make it 2-0 with a low shot.

“When you play the first leg and win away from home, you can consider that you have taken a good first step,” said Benfica’s coach, Roger Schmidt.

The Lisbon team is unbeaten in its last eight Champions League games, with five wins and three draws. The victory over the Belgian monarchs marked the first time since the 2005-2006 season that Benfica has had a string of three wins in European competition.

Bruges will travel to the Portuguese capital for the return match, which will take place on March 7.

“This type of match is defined by the details, as soon as you make a mistake, you pay for it,” lamented Brugge defender Clinton Mata. “Not everything is lost. You have to remain optimistic. Everything is possible in football”.